Otoplasty (Corrective Ear Surgery)

Quick Facts

Ear surgery, or Otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of 4 and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age 4, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

Procedure

Technique used will depend upon the patient’s needs. One of the more common techniques is for the surgeon to make a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The surgeon will then sculpt the cartilage or bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape.